I prefer the Boye hooks as they seem to have a deeper hook than Susan Bates which makes crocheting easier for me with less of the problems you've stated. Perhaps it's just the way I hold the hook and crochet. I was fortunate to find bamboo hooks on a "get rid of these" display at A.C. Moore. They were only $5.00 each and having a coupon for a percentage off your total purchase, I bought 2 hooks. I love them and find them to be my favorites but I would never pay the retail price of $24.99. Are you a "tight stitch" crocheter? I tend to crochet loosely after I learn a stitch. When I first try new stitches, I find I crochet tighter and have more problems with catching and splitting, etc. After I am comfortable with a stitch, I have a pretty easy go of it unless I am working with an especially difficult yarn. Don't know if this is any help, just thought I'd pass along my thoughts. Hugs, Shelly